Where the Redskins have slipped: the trenches

WASHINGTON — Rose-colored glasses are hard to have with the burgundy and gold. It seems for almost a generation now the Redskins disappoint more than they please.

Maybe my perspective is from low expectations. Two and four is nothing to shout about, but in a cluttered NFC East this season is not over for the Redskins.

It is often said there is a fine line between winning and losing, but in football it is just about the line — the line of scrimmage. For all the fancy passing schemes, football games are still won in the trenches and that’s where the Redskins have slipped.

Over the last two weeks, in losses to the Falcons and Jets, the Redskins have failed to establish the run and failed to stop the run. The Redskins have only collected 85 yards on the ground in the last two games, while giving up 397 yards. In the first four games of the season, the Redskins only allowed opponents 312 yards rushing.

This Redskins team can compete, but can it adjust. At halftime Sunday the Redskins had a 13-10 lead, but then the Jets rattled off 24 unanswered points. In third quarters this season the Redskins have been outscored 46-3. Yes, I think it is time to change the halftime routine.

Change the halftime routine, yes, but not the quarterback. Without question with eight interceptions in six games Kirk Cousins has to be better. Still, he needs more time to truly show what he can do. It just means Redskins’ fans will have to be patient.

At least it is something to which the burgundy and gold faithful has become accustomed.

Dave Johnson

Dave Johnson is Senior Sports Director and morning sports anchor. He first arrived at WTOP in 1989, left in 1992 and returned in 1995. He is a three-time winner of the A.I.R. award as best radio sportscaster in D.C. In 2008 he won the Edward R. Murrow award for best writing for sports commentaries.

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